2024 Magical MOAB Meetup October 4 - 11

[the_hobbitish]

I'd like to join this year. I'll likely be solo and not sure if I'll sleep in my car (for the noise reduction) or tent it. Does anyone have space for an extra tent at their site or suggestion of what site to book?

[mm1970]

We're probably going to be rambling through that part of the country around this time so I'm going to snag one of these sites.  Hopefully you all are friendly to newbies!

Hell, we were all newbies not so very long ago.

I was a Newb just last year (well, a Moab Newb anyway...)

[the_hobbitish]

Do most people drive or fly in? I'm coming from the east coast US and would be open to car pooling if others are interested.

[Dicey]

I'd like to join this year. I'll likely be solo and not sure if I'll sleep in my car (for the noise reduction) or tent it. Does anyone have space for an extra tent at their site or suggestion of what site to book?

We have people who do either or both, depending on conditions. It's really helpful to book near other mustachians, as we're not particularly noisy and keep roughly the same schedule. We're also trying to position ourselves so we have a straight shot from the group site to the restrooms and dishwashing facilities, so being adjacent can be helpful. If you call the Downtown Moab office and tell them you're one of the "Mustache People", they will help you out and waive the site lock fee.

If you poke around upthread, there is a campsite map and people have mentioned the sites they have reserved.

The more, the merrier!

[Dicey]

The response above was also meant for everyone thinking about coming to Moab.

One more thing to add is that we use WeChat. Once you've joined the group, you'll find a lot more related conversation happening there.

Also, I have it on good authority that even non-mustachians have a great time at the Magical Moab Meetup.

Lastly, our fearless leader, @NinetyFour, has completed the ground work for the MMM. She has an incredibly busy and amazing Spring/Summer lined up. I'll happily field any questions that come up while she's busybusybusy exploring the world and conquering new challenges.

[dangbe]

Looking forward to meeting you!!

Yeah! Looking forward to meeting you and everyone else as well!

Glad to know it's a welcoming environment.

One more thing to add is that we use WeChat. Once you've joined the group, you'll find a lot more related conversation happening there.

How do we join the wechat group?

[the_hobbitish]

I booked G7. :D Ditto on the question about joining the group chat...

[Dicey]

I'm hoping someone else will chime and answer this. My skills are um, limited and @NinetyFour is insanely busy. Hang on, we'll figure it out. And welcome dangle and the_hobbitish!

LOL, stupid autocarrot. I didn't mean to make you "dangle" @dangbe!

[the_hobbitish]

No worries. We have some 7 months to figure it out : )

[NinjaSue]

@the_hobbitish @dangbe Glad you are able to join the group in Moab.  I can attest as a newcomer to Moab last year and lurker, the group is very friendly to newbies.  I'll DM you the link for the WhatsApp group.

[Dicey]

@the_hobbitish @dangbe Glad you are able to join the group in Moab.  I can attest as a newcomer to Moab last year and lurker, the group is very friendly to newbies.  I'll DM you the link for the WhatsApp group.

Thank you @NinjaSue (Yearofsue)! You and Mr. Sue were a very welcome addition to our group last year, and your hospitality is wonderful! We're looking forward to seeing you again in Moab, if not before.

[Dicey]

Has everyone who requested it received a link to the group chat?

[NinjaSue]

Ahh!  <3
Yes, I believe everyone who requested the link received it.
For those that still need it, feel free to reach out.

[dangbe]

Ok, we're all booked.  Site 74.
I don't think we're right next to anyone but it looked like the shadiest spot.  Not sure how hot it will be in October.

@NinjaSue (Yearofsue), thanks for the whats app link! I'll join it shortly

[Dicey]

Ahh!  <3
Yes, I believe everyone who requested the link received it.
For those that still need it, feel free to reach out.

Thank you, Ninja Sue! I hoped figured someone in the group would have it covered. Thank you for your masterful efficiency!

[2Birds1Stone]

You're invited to the Magical Moab Meetup AFTER PARTY!!

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

[Cherry Lane]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

[Dicey]

Alas, I can't stay for the after party, so I am trying very, very hard not to think about it. I expect 94 has a wonderful plan, but she's busier than a FIRE'd human should be right now. I expect she will have a fantastic answer, once she comes up for air.

[iluvzbeach]

@AlanStache - in case you haven't already found this thread.

[NinjaSue]

You're invited to the Magical Moab Meetup AFTER PARTY!!

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

Individual (not group) sites release six months in advance at Devils Garden so I was going to try to get a spot there. Still not 100% sure we will go the after party but nice to have a spot reserved if we do.  So, I believe if we are looking for Oct 11 we would try to reserve that April 11.
There are also first come, first serve spots in the Moab area along highway 128 but on a Friday you have to get there pretty early to get a good spot. (in my experience from last year)

[soobs]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

I tentatively booked a hotel/resort for 2 night in between.
Will need a comfy bed, good shower/pool and laundry - I think - by then. Otherwise, will be mightly stinky!!

[Dicey]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

I tentatively booked a hotel/resort for 2 night in between.
Will need a comfy bed, good shower/pool and laundry - I think - by then. Otherwise, will be mightly stinky!!

There's a pretty good laundry at the campground. As long as you have the door code, nobody checks to see if you're staying there.

[vector]

This is for non-camping people like us :-). We were looking for accommodation in Moab and we found this one but it's too big for us alone.  https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/14396891?adults=2&check_in=2024-10-04&check_out=2024-10-11&source_impression_id=p3_1711760047_9tEK%2F%2B2UhOIcSSWJ&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=8bd0cdd6-e7a0-412e-9250-8b1d695f643e&locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1711760338_NDZjOWMyOGI4MWEw

We only need one of the 3 bedrooms so 2 bedrooms are available if anyone is interested to share with us.

V

[Dicey]

This is for non-camping people like us :-). We were looking for accommodation in Moab and we found this one but it's too big for us alone.  https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/14396891?adults=2&check_in=2024-10-04&check_out=2024-10-11&source_impression_id=p3_1711760047_9tEK%2F%2B2UhOIcSSWJ&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=8bd0cdd6-e7a0-412e-9250-8b1d695f643e&locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1711760338_NDZjOWMyOGI4MWEw

We only need one of the 3 bedrooms so 2 bedrooms are available if anyone is interested to share with us.

V

Hi vector! I looked at those prices and almost choked, until I realized the prices were CAD. I hope you find some cool roomies! Can't wait to see you guys again. I'll get your badges right this year, I promise.

[soobs]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

I tentatively booked a hotel/resort for 2 night in between.
Will need a comfy bed, good shower/pool and laundry - I think - by then. Otherwise, will be mightly stinky!!

There's a pretty good laundry at the campground. As long as you have the door code, nobody checks to see if you're staying there.

TY so much - that really helps! And I saw there was a pool also - do you know if we have access to that too?

[soobs]

This is for non-camping people like us :-). We were looking for accommodation in Moab and we found this one but it's too big for us alone.  https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/14396891?adults=2&check_in=2024-10-04&check_out=2024-10-11&source_impression_id=p3_1711760047_9tEK%2F%2B2UhOIcSSWJ&previous_page_section_name=1000&federated_search_id=8bd0cdd6-e7a0-412e-9250-8b1d695f643e&locale=en&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1711760338_NDZjOWMyOGI4MWEw

We only need one of the 3 bedrooms so 2 bedrooms are available if anyone is interested to share with us.

I may be interested in 1 bedroom but only for 10/8-11 so if there are other people that maybe interested for the full length of stay please give them first dibs.
V

[the_hobbitish]

SO and I are considering doing some off-roading in between the main meet-up and arches. We're looking at the white rim (which I've done before) or maybe needles or the maze. Anyone have suggestions of good sites? We're trying to avoid a repeat of hikes/activities that people will do during the mmm meetup?

[Dicey]

SO and I are considering doing some off-roading in between the main meet-up and arches. We're looking at the white rim (which I've done before) or maybe needles or the maze. Anyone have suggestions of good sites? We're trying to avoid a repeat of hikes/activities that people will do during the mmm meetup?

Needles is amazing. Not sure how ORV friendly it is, but Google will know.

[Dicey]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

I tentatively booked a hotel/resort for 2 night in between.
Will need a comfy bed, good shower/pool and laundry - I think - by then. Otherwise, will be mightly stinky!!

There's a pretty good laundry at the campground. As long as you have the door code, nobody checks to see if you're staying there.

TY so much - that really helps! And I saw there was a pool also - do you know if we have access to that too?

Ugh, yes. It's included in the daily "Resort Fee" that isn't optional.

[Le Poisson]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

I tentatively booked a hotel/resort for 2 night in between.
Will need a comfy bed, good shower/pool and laundry - I think - by then. Otherwise, will be mightly stinky!!

There's a pretty good laundry at the campground. As long as you have the door code, nobody checks to see if you're staying there.

TY so much - that really helps! And I saw there was a pool also - do you know if we have access to that too?

The pool is included! If you have kids, they will love it, but if you are thinking of a nice relaxing soak, it's not really conducive to that. The pool is right at the main gate of the property and close to the main road, so there is a lot of road noise over there. We used it in year one, but the second time we came to camp (with our boys) I don't think any of us ever went near it.

[Dicey]

Hi All, I just wrote a big update, then I got a phone call, then Mr. Dicey sat down at the computer, then poof! went the update.

[NinjaSue]

Actually, SO and I will try to book a spot at Canyonland’s Needles campground for Oct 11-13 the time between the meet up ends and the after party in arches.  To anyone- Feel free to book a spot as well. There are great hikes there. A group from the 2023 meetup drove to needles to hike the Druid Arch.
If many folks are interested, group spots are released April 11 for Oct 11 - require a minimum of 11 people.
There is also a first come, first serve loop at the needles campground as well.

[mm1970]

This is a good idea.  My DH would very much like to come to Moab, but we have a small child.  Oct 11 is a "no school" day, so we are tossing around the idea of having them fly out for that weekend.

I'm driving out/ camping from the 7-11th, so maybe we could all go to Needles for 11-13.  But then I have to drive home. Hm.

[2Birds1Stone]

Hi All, I just wrote a big update, then I got a phone call, then Mr. Dicey sat down at the computer, then poof! went the update.

Cliff notes?

[Dicey]

Hi All, I just wrote a big update, then I got a phone call, then Mr. Dicey sat down at the computer, then poof! went the update.

Cliff notes?

Haha, that post was supposed to be in my journal. I guess it just wasn't my day to get the ol' journal updated. Sorry, nothing new to add on the Moab front.

As a consolation, here is a picture of our fearless leader, taken in 2021.

[MrGreen]

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

I completely missed that there are unaccounted nights in between.  I have no idea.

I tentatively booked a hotel/resort for 2 night in between.
Will need a comfy bed, good shower/pool and laundry - I think - by then. Otherwise, will be mightly stinky!!

There's a pretty good laundry at the campground. As long as you have the door code, nobody checks to see if you're staying there.

This past year there were only two working dryers so laundry was a challenge. Hopefully this won't be an issue in 2024.

[Dicey]

Hmmm, we did laundry before we left Moab. IIRC, there were others using laundry before and after us, and there wasn't a problem with having enough dryers. Maybe we broke them? There is an actual laundromat directly across the street.

[Dicey]

We spent the day in Death Valley yesterday. Wildflowers, moderate temps, very light winds, a natural bridge, a cool dry waterfall, a devil's golf course, plenty of accessible vistas...what's not to like?

It's not Moab.

[Ladychips]

  I don’t think we are going to come back to Moab next year.  At least that’s my expectation right now, so I won’t be renting the house.

Bummer, @meadow lark! We'll miss you and Stingray!

On that note:

  Probably going to rent the house at Lazy Lizard again.  It’s very basic and humble but comfortable house with all the normal house amenities and it’s about 1.5 miles from the campground.  The big advantages to it over a cabin at the campground were that it had 2 bathrooms, a living room, you don’t have to bring bed linens or towels, and a nice enough kitchen that we could make Thanksgiving dinner for 40!  We ate out a lot less this year than 2022!

    It worked out to be approx $300/night divided by the # of people staying.  Most nights that was 6 people.  Theoretically, there are beds for 19.  10-12 would probably be ideal.
   
   If you are interested, let me know.  It will help me decide if I want to do it again.

@meadow lark @Log @mm1970 @Chaplin @Tass y'all still in for house sharing? I am definitely going and definitely staying in the share house, if it is an option.

But if not, now is the best time to snag the camp sites, so it would be great to sort this out. Thanks all :)

Still interested and open for the dates we've decided! ETA: Bringing my DH, so count us as two!

My partner and I are also interesting in returning next year, and La Casa was a very convenient place to lodge! Count us in if someone else wants to rent the house (link). @meadow lark, last time, how far in advance did you book? i.e. do we have to figure this out asap or can it wait a few months?

There's a possibility I'd be willing to organize for the rental, but we're working stiffs and we don't plan to stay the whole week. Probably only ~4 nights (perhaps Friday 10/4-Tuesday 10/8) like we did this year, and I'm not eager to book it for when I'm not there. Does anyone who's planning to stay the whole week want to step up? Alternatively, would all the potential house-stayers also prefer a 4ish-night window, in which case we can coordinate what dates to book?

I had hoped to rent the house but now I'm not going to be able to make it.  So the house is free (assuming someone else hasn't rented it).  Y'all have fun!

[the_hobbitish]

SO negotiated time off work. Now that he's able to join we're going to turn this into an epic off-road trip. This is a great way for us to test out our FIRE off-road trip plans.

I booked a meet-up camp site for the whole week (4-11), but we'll only be there a couple days before moving to some of the parks. If anyone wants to take our site for the other days let me know. (Or use it for a few days overflow parking etc).

Our Plan
Drive from the east coast...
7-10 We join the meet-up. Yea!
10 Start White Rim Trail. Overnight on the trail.
11 Finish White Rim Trail. Overnight at Dead Horse Point
12 Needles - Elephant Hill Trail. Overnight at Devil's Kitchen
13 Hike the Joint Trail and Druids Arch. Overnight at Bobby Jo.
14 Exit Needles and head to Arches.
15 Arches
16  Head home with a stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Are there any other 4x4/RV trippers on the forum?

[Le Poisson]

I would join you for some of the offroady stuff, but our Tacoma is unlikely to be kitted out for this. We may end up traveling in the car this year. Really though, we have too much on our plates right now to be looking this far ahead.

[Dicey]

I would join you for some of the offroady stuff, but our Tacoma is unlikely to be kitted out for this. We may end up traveling in the car this year. Really though, we have too much on our plates right now to be looking this far ahead.

No shit, Sherlock. Glad you're okay. Everything else will sort itself out. Selfishly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Moab stays on the list.

[NinetyFour]

I would join you for some of the offroady stuff, but our Tacoma is unlikely to be kitted out for this. We may end up traveling in the car this year. Really though, we have too much on our plates right now to be looking this far ahead.

No shit, Sherlock. Glad you're okay. Everything else will sort itself out. Selfishly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Moab stays on the list.

Me, too!!!!!!!


Hello all--I'm finally coming up for a few quick gasps of air.  I was supposed to have gotten home from the Magnolia State last night, but was cowering during a tornado warning (not watch!) instead.  So lucky me, I got to spend one more night in the capital city (which @MonkeyJenga knows, I'm sure) before getting on what was possibly the last flight out of there this morning before the entire state was engulfed by a huge and wicked storm system.  Selfishly, I'm glad I got out when I did, but boy, I hope there were no injuries and that any property damage was minimal.

Anyway!  I am now back home for......25 hours before I head to another Navajo Math event and then a few days of hiking in beloved Moab.  Then after one day at home, I'll head back to the southeast, then a quick backpacking trip, then maybe a whole week at home before I jet off to Italy!

I really need to catch up on this thread--I have seen questions posed and answered (thank you @Dicey and @NinjaSue and others!!).  I will catch up I promise.....just as soon as I can come up for another couple of gasps.  For now, though, I need to unpack and then pack for the math thing and camping/hiking!

[NinjaSue]

@the_hobbitish we wish our van was a 4x4! Your itinerary sounds amazing. 4x4 was on our original wish list. But, hard to find and we are really happy with what we ended up getting.

Re: canyonlands needles Oct 11-13 - I’m going to try to book an individual site (doesn’t seem to be enough interest to justify a group site) and hope to join in the group in Arches Oct 13.
Setting an alarm for 7am to try to book a campsite is one of my least favorite things to do! : ( hope it works out!

[NinetyFour]

You're invited to the Magical Moab Meetup AFTER PARTY!!

DW and I are a very strong maybe. What are people doing for the nights between Moab and the after party?

Individual (not group) sites release six months in advance at Devils Garden so I was going to try to get a spot there. Still not 100% sure we will go the after party but nice to have a spot reserved if we do.  So, I believe if we are looking for Oct 11 we would try to reserve that April 11.
There are also first come, first serve spots in the Moab area along highway 128 but on a Friday you have to get there pretty early to get a good spot. (in my experience from last year)

As of this morning, there are a few sites (individual, not group) at Devils Garden (the campground at Arches) that are available on October 11.  Sites are released at 8am Mountain Time each morning, 6 months ahead.  I will be out in Blanding, UT this morning at 8am, and will try to snag a site.  If two cars can fit, I'll be happy to share the site with someone.

There are also BLM campgrounds on the road that goes out to Dead Horse and Island in the Sky.  I will try to research those.

[Cherry Lane]

As of this morning, there are a few sites (individual, not group) at Devils Garden (the campground at Arches) that are available on October 11.  Sites are released at 8am Mountain Time each morning, 6 months ahead.  I will be out in Blanding, UT this morning at 8am, and will try to snag a site.  If two cars can fit, I'll be happy to share the site with someone.

I tried but messed up and was not able to get one.

[the_hobbitish]

I've been refreshing the page and haven't seen them become available yet.

Update: It looks like the back country permits don't open for another month.

[NinetyFour]

I tried to get an individual site (Devils Garden) this morning but failed.  :( 

[NinjaSue]

I also did not get a spot  : (

[314159]

  I don’t think we are going to come back to Moab next year.  At least that’s my expectation right now, so I won’t be renting the house.

Bummer, @meadow lark! We'll miss you and Stingray!

On that note:

  Probably going to rent the house at Lazy Lizard again.  It’s very basic and humble but comfortable house with all the normal house amenities and it’s about 1.5 miles from the campground.  The big advantages to it over a cabin at the campground were that it had 2 bathrooms, a living room, you don’t have to bring bed linens or towels, and a nice enough kitchen that we could make Thanksgiving dinner for 40!  We ate out a lot less this year than 2022!

    It worked out to be approx $300/night divided by the # of people staying.  Most nights that was 6 people.  Theoretically, there are beds for 19.  10-12 would probably be ideal.
   
   If you are interested, let me know.  It will help me decide if I want to do it again.

@meadow lark @Log @mm1970 @Chaplin @Tass y'all still in for house sharing? I am definitely going and definitely staying in the share house, if it is an option.

But if not, now is the best time to snag the camp sites, so it would be great to sort this out. Thanks all :)

Still interested and open for the dates we've decided! ETA: Bringing my DH, so count us as two!

My partner and I are also interesting in returning next year, and La Casa was a very convenient place to lodge! Count us in if someone else wants to rent the house (link). @meadow lark, last time, how far in advance did you book? i.e. do we have to figure this out asap or can it wait a few months?

There's a possibility I'd be willing to organize for the rental, but we're working stiffs and we don't plan to stay the whole week. Probably only ~4 nights (perhaps Friday 10/4-Tuesday 10/8) like we did this year, and I'm not eager to book it for when I'm not there. Does anyone who's planning to stay the whole week want to step up? Alternatively, would all the potential house-stayers also prefer a 4ish-night window, in which case we can coordinate what dates to book?

I had hoped to rent the house but now I'm not going to be able to make it.  So the house is free (assuming someone else hasn't rented it).  Y'all have fun!

Sorry you won't be there, Ladychips!

@mm1970, @Chaplin,@Tass, @oneday, @SnakesintheGrass, or anyone else still interested in booking La Casa?